Custom Phone Cases
Phone Cases, Pouches, Holsters and Carrying Cases
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Wallet style leather case
for Apple iPhone 4.
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Let
us start out by defining what are a Phone Case, Pouch, Holster and
Carrying Case.
Cell phone cases are
placed
on the phone and the cell phone is easily separated from the case.
Common cases are:
- Soft leather
- Silicone (or similar material) based
cases that
stretch over the phone.
- Hard shell cases which snap on the phone.
Many hard cases can be personalized with photos and artwork, while the
softer materials cannot.
Some manufacturers infuse their cases with Microban®, the
industry leader in antimicrobial product protection.
A cell phone pouch or holster
is a “phone carrying case”
generally attached to a belt and the phone is placed inside for
convenient access. Pouches and holsters require the phone to be removed
from the pouch or holster to be used. The term “carrying
case” will be used for the remainder of this webpage, when
referring to both the phone pouch and the phone holster.
Carrying cases come in thousands of styles but options to personalize
them are not available. |
Silicone based
case made
with Microban®. |
Custom
Phone Cases
Cell phone cases come in may shapes and styles. Some are hard shell
cases that protect the phone from scratches and add increased
protection against dents. Others are softer cases made of leather,
silicone or other materials that add a layer of padding to the phone as
protection against shock.
Generally, only the hard shell cases can be personalized with photos
and/or text.
Some very thin hard shell cases may be used in conjunction with
carrying cases for added convenience and protection.
Example of hard cell phone case customized with a photo.
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Top
Websites Featuring Custom Phone Cases
Below is a table of top custom phone case websites offering mobile
phone covers. These websites offer customizable phone covers. For a
list of websites specializing in phone carrying cases and phone
holsters, go to Top Cell
Phone Accessory Websites.
Legend:
WW = World Wide manufacturers
L = Limited number or varies by device
R = Readers only |
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Fig. 1 Vertical
Pouch |
Phone Carrying Case, Pouch vs. Holster
The difference between a phone pouch and a phone holster is that a cell
phone is placed inside a pouch and the pouch is fastened shut with a
snap, zipper, Velcro or other means. The phone is secure and protected
from the elements. The pouch is ideal for persons not receiving many
calls or someone using a Bluetooth device paired to their phone.
Pouches
Figures 1 and 2 are examples of two popular cell phone pouches.
While these
pouches are designed for a fixed orientation (because of the logo),
some pouches have a ratcheting belt clip for both horizontal and
vertical display.
Pouches can be found with most common logos but cannot be personalized.
Pros: A Pouch is
more secure, provides greater protection from minor abuse, loss and the
elements.
Cons: A Pouch must be
unfastened to access the phone.
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Fig. 2
Horizontal Pouch |
Holsters
A
holster holds the cell phone in a manner that does not
require a
person to open a security flap. The phone is clipped or slipped into
the holster and is generally exposed to the elements. A holster is
ideal for someone working in a controlled environment, receiving many
calls and needing quick easy access to their phone.
Pros: A
Holster provides fast easy access to the phone.
Cons: The cell phone
is more susceptible to loss, damage, and the elements. |
Phone holster |
Phone Carrying Case Construction
Pouch Materials
Carrying cases are constructed using many different materials. The
materials include but are not limited to Leather, Plastic, Neoprene,
Nylon, Hydro foam. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, which
need consideration when selecting a phone carrying case. The work
environment should dictate the construction materials.
NOTE:
Regardless of the
material used, verify that the interior of the carrying case has a soft
lining that will not scratch the cell phone.
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Belt Clip Styles and Options
Find the belt clip that best suits your needs. Belt clip styles include
swivel, ratcheting, spring loaded, and removable clips. The most
versatile clips are the ratcheting removable clips. The carrying case
can be positioned in the vertical or horizontal positions when placed
on a belt or purse. With the spring clip removed, the carrying case
easily slips into a pocket or purse.
Example of ratchet belt clip.
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